Wisconsin Rapids prepares ordinance, grant applications to replace lead service lines; city weighs private-side logistics

Mayor Matt Zacker told WFHR that a federal program requires the removal of lead and galvanized service lines that can introduce lead into household water, and the city is updating an ordinance so it can pursue state and federal clean-water grants.

"So they want all of that out, which is a big undertaking," Zacker said, describing the federal push to replace service lines. He said the council sent the ordinance back to Public Works to finalize updates before the council is expected to vote next month so the city can "apply for the clean water grants."

Zacker estimated "about 500 houses" in Wisconsin Rapids still have lead-affected service lines. He said state statute constrains municipal work on private property, so the city is examining ways to contract the private-side work efficiently'for example, bundling homes into a larger contract to incentivize a contractor to dedicate staff and equipment.

"It's gonna be a little bit tricky," Zacker said, noting the city will try to coordinate replacements with scheduled road projects to minimize repeated excavation. Adam Brunig of the water utility was identified during the council discussion as citing roughly 500 service locations out of an estimated 7,500 galvanized or lead-impacted services in the wider service area.

Zacker said the replacement effort could be lengthy and that planners are looking at multi-year schedules and funding options before committing to a course of action.